High school fall theater production round up | Young Thespians

If you can’t find a production to attend this weekend, then I truly can’t help you.

Give thanks for all of these options by our young thespians. Our cornucopia overfloweth!

Willoughby South

Willoughby South High School’s Drama Club is more ready for their annual fall production than their characters are. That is because their show this year is the door-slamming farce about the production of, well, a play.

The show does not go well. Hopefully this meta production goes better for the Willoughby South young thespians. The production, of course, is Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18, and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19. Tickets are available at https://willoughbysouthoh-ticketroar.eventbrite.com.

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The show within a show is called “Nothing On.” In “Noises Off,” the audience gets to sit in on their failing dress rehearsal in Act 1, backstage mischief and horseplay that takes place during opening night in Act 2, and finally the last performance of “Nothing On” in Act 3. The production involves incredible comic timing and actors capable of fast-paced dialogue.

As usual, students do everything at Willoughby South. Senior Anne Beller directs with technical direction from Mitchell McLaughlin and stage management by Sophie Pantaleano.

“Although this show is extremely technical, the cast and crew I am working with can handle whatever is thrown at them and there is no doubt in my mind that they will impress both myself and the audience during every performance,” Anne says.

“I like speaking in an accent and wearing basically a tent for a costume,” says senior Lauren Vittori of her character, Dottie.

“Brooke’s personality is totally unlike mine so it is interesting to play my opposite,” says senior Diana Brnjic of her character.

“I love that our group of students can work together and tackle such a hard show while supporting each other along the way,” Anne says. “Without that, it would be impossible to get through a piece like ‘Noises Off’ and do it well.”

Lake Catholic High School

“The Panic Broadcast of 1938” by Michael Druce is the choice for the fall show at Lake Catholic High School this year, featuring a cast of 28 and a crew of 31. Scott Posey directs again for the 18th year.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 17 and 18, and 3 p.m. Nov. 19. Tickets can be purchased in the school spirit store during regular business hours. Call 440-578-1020, ext. 266, for more information.

The show takes place on Oct. 30, 1938, in the small town of Misty Valley, Pennsylvania, where radio is the evening entertainment of the day. In a take on Orson Welle’s “War of the Worlds” broadcast from that era, the show envisions events that take place after the town learns they have been invaded by Martians.

“The kids have had a lot of fun working on this project, especially learning that a play of this style can be funnier when played as a tragedy,” Posey says. “Although comedic in nature there are some very heartwarming moments within the production.”

“Being a part of this show has been such a wonder experience,” says senior Erin Brennan, the show’s assistant director. “It’s amazing to see how every little piece of the puzzle fits together to make something so funny, heartwarming and genuine.”

“The theater community at Lake Catholic truly feels like home to me,” says sophomore Halle Leigey, a member of the cast. “Everyone is so welcoming and I really can be myself when we are together. Also, our director, Mr. Posey puts his heart into everything he does for this school and he really brings the best out of each of us, not only when we are working on productions but also in everything we do.”

Riverside High School

Brad Allen’s directs the fall show in his ninth season with Riverside Theatre and his first year as a director. Allen has been the technical director and set designer at Riverside along with positions as lighting design, sound design, director, and actor throughout the area.

“I can’t say one is my favorite over another,” Allen says of his jack-of-all-trades resume. “Each brings its own unique challenges. If asked what my favorite show is to direct, this one would be it, hands down!”

Music Director Tammy Palermo is also involved in the fall production, as it is a play with music.

“I read the book for which the show is based and fell in love with the story,” Palermo says. “The play adaptation has a lot more humor than the book. I have enjoyed being a part of this production and how different is compared to musicals I have music directed.”

Check them out this weekend. Just don’t panic.

Alphabet Theatre

Alphabet Theatre uses the transformative power of theater arts to teach world-building skills, including confidence, leadership, team building, inclusivity, and a respect for all people.

You may have known them for the past 13 years as Mayfield Youth Theatre. Well, they have grown and changed and developed and are now officially a non-profit organization, working in partnership with Christ Presbyterian Church in Chester Township.

“We don’t believe in putting blocks in the way of anyone who wants to experience the magic of live performance,” director Jill Pappenhagen tells me. “We are a ‘No-Cut’ theater. Anyone who comes to audition will find a place in our casts. We charge no fees — no participation fees, no costume fees, no class fees, no mandatory program ad sales, no selling bad chocolate, or wrapping paper, no mandatory fundraising.

“We are open to any student in grades 6-12,” he added. “We are entirely volunteer run — from directors and choreographers to orchestra members and costume designers. We offer kids experience in building sets, creating props, helping with costumes, learning the tech booth, and running the backstage.”

This special group is ready to present their fall show, “Honk!” This musical tale of “The Ugly Duckling” with book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 12419 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township.

Tickets are available at the door and are only $5. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Jill Pappenhagen is musically assisted by Jenny Jackson and accompanied by Amy McGroarty. The show also features percussion from Bryce Shill, guitar by CJ Langmack, bass by Cameron Weikart, flute by Stephanie Striegel, and reeds by Jenny Jackson. Professional technical theatre director Robert Pappenhagen works their shoe string budget, and costume designer Betsy Bond and stage manager Laura Weikart round out the team. Check these special folks out this weekend.

Berkshire High School

Down in Geauga County, Berkshire High School presents “Little Women” at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18. This well-loved classic Louisa May Alcott tale centers around the March sisters who come of age during the Civil War, coping with their father’s absence, financial hardships, and the lure and intrigue of the handsome young man who lives next door.

Cardinal High School

Also in Geauga County, Cardinal High School presents “American Idle” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18, and 3 p.m. Nov. 19.

Dr. Bruno Slacker has been trying to find his way to Easy Street all his young life. Having pursued one harebrained scheme after another to get rich quick, he’s finally hit on a scheme he’s sure will work! Convinced Americans work and worry too much, Bruno claims (on national television, no less!) that if they’d only become idle, they’d live longer.

To prove his point, he invites eight ambitious subjects to spend a week in “Idle House,” his version of “Real World.” The eight contestants’ mission is to learn to live without goals, a seemingly impossible task for these go-getting young adults.

Chardon High School

Another classic is available this weekend when Chardon High School presents Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” at 7 p.m. Nov. 16, 17 and 18, and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19.

Winner of the 1953 Tony Award, this drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. The story focuses on a farmer, his wife and a young servant-girl who causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft.